What are my rights if an event is cancelled or rescheduled? When you can get a refund
Two Olivia Rodrigo concerts have been postponed because of a “technical issue” at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was set to open the new venue on Wednesday but that gig was also cancelled, meaning the 23,500-capacity arena is yet to have any performances.
The arena tweeted: “Due to an ongoing venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts world tour on May 3 and 4 are being postponed. Ticket-holders can either hold on to their tickets or obtain a refund at the point of purchase.”
Rodrigo is set to play in London and Birmingham as part of the tour from May 7 to 18.
The singer expressed her disappointment to fans about not being able to perform her shows.
"I'm so bummed and I really hope to see you all soon," the pop star wrote on Instagram, adding that she and her team were "doing our best" to reschedule the concerts.
Tickets were not cheap for the tour, which will include four dates at London’s O2 Arena.
Here are your rights if a band or artist cancels or reschedules a show that you had a ticket for.
What are my rights if a show is rescheduled?
If the concert date is moved, your tickets will remain valid although it is probable that they may become available to download at a later date - nearer the concert.
Typically you will be given at least 14 days’ notice if the date has been rescheduled.
If you cannot make the new date, you can get a refund in most cases but it is a bit more work.
Ticketmaster states: “You can check your event’s status on our Event Status Updates page. If you’ve bought resale tickets for the rescheduled event, we’ll contact you with instructions on what to do next.”
The company does state that refund policies are “determined by the event organiser on an event-by-event basis” and may be subject to their limitations.
See Tickets has a similar policy and says that you can make a claim to get a refund if you cannot make the new date.
Resolver.co.uk states that: “If you missed the concert because you did not receive the notification, or you cannot make the new date, you are entitled to a refund of the cost of your ticket.”
This is backed up by Citizens Advice, which states: “If you bought your ticket from an official seller you can get a refund if the organiser cancels, moves or reschedules the event.”
This might not be the case if you bought it from a secondary seller. And there is also a chance you might not have your booking fee returned.
What are my rights if a show is cancelled?
If an event is cancelled, typically no action is required to obtain a refund for the face value of each ticket, according to Ticketmaster. Your account will be reimbursed.
“You’re not entitled to a refund if you change your mind about going or realise you can’t go anymore,” Citizens Advice guidance adds.
